A new batch of spy shots has revealed an upcoming refresh for the Mini Hatch. Based on the small amount of camouflage on this example, it looks like the facelift is going to be little more than a few minor tweaks.

Up front, it seems that Mini’s design team is focusing on reworking the car’s headlights. The camouflage here makes the lights seem to sweep backward a little more than on the current hatchback. The concealment stretching along the leading edge of the hood suggests the possibility of new trim there, but the skinny piece of camo indicates that any changes would be minor.

The tweaks are equally minor at the rear. The taillights retain a red circle in the middle, but the camouflage around them suggests small design changes. Camo along the hatch’s handle and the lower fascia trim strip also indicate tiny updates for these parts.

These photos don’t let us see into the refreshed Mini's interior, but expect small updates in there, too. Changes for the cabin materials and an upgrade to the latest infotainment tech seem like the more likely improvements.

Under the hood, there’s no sign of abandoning its current powertrains – ranging from a 1.2-litre petrol in the Mini One to a 1.5-litre turbo in the Cooper and a four-cylinder 2.0-litre in the Cooper S, as well as diesel alternatives. Minor powertrain tweaks are possible but don’t expect anything significant.

Fans of hotter Minis can look forward to this refreshed design being the basis for the third-generation John Cooper Works GP. In 2016, Mini’s boss confirmed that the range-topping performance version would eventually arrive. Like the first two models, it would likely come just before the current hatchback’s retirement.

The previous-gen JCW GP arrived for the 2013 model, and the company built just 2,000 of them for the whole world. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder made 211 horsepower and 192lb ft of torque – temporary overboost pushed the twist to 207 lb ft. It also ditched the rear seat, and a strut tower brace took the bench’s place. Highly bolstered chairs gripped the occupants in front.

The 8 speed ZF in my 125i was fab and the 8 speed ZF in our two diesel SUVs do a good job. Not familiar with the current automatic in the MINI but personal preference is a modern torque convertor. HAd a couple of VAG cars with DSG/s-tronic and not a fan. Let's hope the 8 speed sports automatic in the MINI will prove just as good a set up as the 125i.